The Best Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe – Light & Fluffy Treats

Biting into these delectable MOM’s famous cream puffs that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Flaky pastry shells cradle a cloud-like filling that whispers sweet memories.

Light as air and rich with nostalgia, these treats carry generations of culinary love.

Delicate puffs emerge from the oven looking like golden pillows of pure happiness.

Each bite promises a moment of pure delight that connects you to cherished family traditions.

Pastry chefs might envy the simple magic hidden in this treasured recipe.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and create these irresistible morsels that spark joy with every single crumb.

Answers About Moms Famous Cream Puffs You Might Need

• What makes these cream puffs different from store-bought versions?

These cream puffs are homemade with love, using a classic choux pastry technique that creates light, airy shells with a crispy exterior. The homemade filling is richer and fresher than anything you’ll find in a bakery.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

Not at all! While choux pastry might seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. The key is following the steps carefully and not rushing the process. Even novice bakers can master these cream puffs with a little patience.

• Can I make the pastry shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the shells up to two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Fill them just before serving to keep the pastry from getting soggy.

• Why do I need to make a slit in the pastry after baking?

The small slit allows steam to escape, which prevents the cream puffs from becoming soft and soggy. This little step ensures your pastry shells stay crisp and light, maintaining that perfect texture everyone loves.

What Makes Moms Famous Cream Puffs So Special

• Create Delectable Pastry Clouds: These cream puffs transform simple ingredients into light, airy pastry shells that melt in your mouth with incredible delicacy.
• Conquer Easy Baking Techniques: The choux pastry method is surprisingly straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to achieve professional-looking results with minimal culinary expertise.
• Customize Your Dessert Delight: The versatile recipe offers flexible serving options, perfect for casual family gatherings or elegant dinner parties, making it a crowd-pleasing treat that suits any occasion.
• Enjoy Quick Preparation Magic: From start to finish, these cream puffs come together in under an hour, delivering maximum flavor with minimal time investment and creating a impressive dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Simple Ingredients For Moms Famous Cream Puffs

• Water: Core liquid for creating light, airy pastry structure.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create golden pastry.
• Flour: Structural foundation for the choux pastry.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps pastry rise and hold shape.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor to pastry.
• Sugar: Enhances overall sweetness and helps with browning.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy base for filling.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Helps stabilize and flavor cream.
• Milk: Helps achieve smooth, creamy consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional decorative and sweet topping for elegant presentation.

How To Whip Up Moms Famous Cream Puffs

Step 1: Craft the Magical Dough

• Water
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once bubbling, remove from stove and swiftly stir in flour. Mix energetically until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from pan sides. Let the dough rest and cool for a few minutes. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, stirring until the mixture looks glossy and silky.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Delicate Shells

Warm the oven to a toasty 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or two spoons, create fluffy dollops of dough, spacing them generously. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350F and continue baking for another 15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Quickly make tiny slits on each pastry’s side to release steam. Transfer the shells to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Filling

• Heavy whipping cream
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Milk

Whip the ingredients at high speed until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, stiff-peaked wonder.

Step 4: Assemble the Heavenly Treats

Allow pastry shells to cool completely. Slice each shell horizontally. Generously spread the creamy filling on bottom halves. Crown with top shells. Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra magic.

Enjoy these mouthwatering clouds of deliciousness!

Smart Tips For Moms Famous Cream Puffs

• Steam Release Hack: Make a small slit in each puff immediately after baking to prevent soggy interiors and maintain that perfect crispy texture.
• Piping Pro Tip: Use a piping bag for uniform cream puffs or two spoons for a more rustic, homemade look when shaping the pastry.
• Whipping Wisdom: Beat the cream mixture until it forms stiff peaks to ensure a thick, luxurious filling that holds its shape beautifully.
• Temperature Trick: Start baking at high heat, then lower the temperature to create cream puffs with a crisp exterior and tender inside.
• Cooling Caution: Allow pastry shells to cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting and losing its structure.

Save And Reheat Moms Famous Cream Puffs The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cream puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cream puffs gently in a 300F (150C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and compromise its delightful crunch.
• Quality Tip: For best taste and texture, consume cream puffs within 24 hours of preparation. The filling stays fresh and the pastry remains wonderfully crisp during this time.

Best Matches For Moms Famous Cream Puffs

• Pair with Elegant Wine: Complement the delicate cream puffs with a sweet Moscato d'Asti or a light Champagne, which balances the creamy texture and adds a touch of sophistication to the dessert.
• Serve with Aromatic Coffee: Enjoy these cream puffs alongside a smooth cappuccino or a rich espresso, creating a delightful contrast between the sweet pastry and the robust coffee flavor.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Accompany the cream puffs with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a tangy, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the whipped cream filling.
• Create a Dessert Plate: Arrange the cream puffs with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, elevating the dessert experience with complementary textures and flavors.

Change Things Up With Moms Famous Cream Puffs

• Chocolate Cream Dream: Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding mix and add cocoa powder to the whipped cream filling for a rich, decadent chocolate version of the classic cream puff.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh mango or passion fruit into the cream filling, and add a hint of coconut extract to the choux pastry for a vibrant, tropical-inspired cream puff.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix crushed toasted almonds or pecans into the cream filling, and drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the assembled cream puffs for an extra layer of indulgent flavor.
• Berry Bliss Cream Puff: Fold fresh raspberries or strawberries into the whipped cream filling, and garnish with a light berry compote for a fruity and refreshing alternative to the original recipe.

Moms Famous Cream Puffs Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy, delicate Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs elevate dessert artistry with their delightful French-inspired pastry charm. Delicate choux pastry shells cradle luscious vanilla cream, promising a heavenly bite that melts seamlessly on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1 pint (473 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 package (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft the delicate choux pastry foundation by combining water, butter, vanilla extract, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately introduce flour, stirring energetically until a cohesive dough ball forms and separates from the pan’s edges.
2. Allow the dough to cool slightly, then incorporate eggs one by one, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, glossy texture that holds its shape effortlessly.
3. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Carefully pipe or spoon dollops of pastry onto the sheet, maintaining generous spacing between each mound.
4. Bake the pastry shells initially at 400F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350F and continue baking until they transform into golden, puffy clouds with crisp exteriors.
5. Immediately after removing from the oven, create a small steam-release slit on the side of each puff to prevent moisture accumulation. Transfer delicate shells to a wire rack for complete cooling.
6. Prepare the luscious filling by whisking heavy whipping cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk until the mixture achieves a luxurious, stiff-peaked consistency.
7. Once pastry shells have cooled entirely, gently slice them horizontally, creating top and bottom halves for filling.
8. Generously spread or pipe the creamy filling onto the bottom shell sections, then delicately replace the top halves to complete these elegant cream puffs.
9. Optionally, dust the assembled treats with a soft layer of powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure water and butter are fully combined before adding flour to create a perfect choux pastry base.
• Mix eggs thoroughly into the dough, watching for a smooth, glossy texture that falls slowly from the spoon when lifted.
• Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent puffs from deflating, which can result in dense, flat pastries.
• Pipe filling just before serving to maintain the crispness of the pastry shells and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg